Skipping the inauguration, Congressman Jared Huffman hosts three days of service to encourage people to work locally for positive change.
You probably remember when inaugurations were no big deal—a big ceremonial party to be sure, but not occasions for soul-wrenching political drama. Not this year. According a report in the Los Angeles Times, one in four of California’s 55 members of the House of Representatives are not attending.
Congressman Jared Huffman of the 2nd District, a massive area stretching from the Golden Gate to the Oregon border and encompassing most of Sonoma County, is one of those who will be staying away. Instead he will host three days of what his office calls “service and engagement as part of his ongoing efforts to expand positive change through community engagement throughout the second district of California.”
The days of service and engagement will kick off with Rep. Huffman delivering a keynote address to welcome over 1,200 new citizens as they take their Oath of Allegiance. He will then participate in a Habitat for Humanity volunteer project, help clean up the Russian River after the recent flood, prepare and deliver care kits for homeless people in Ukiah, and join with community members in an interfaith vigil in San Rafael. He will then conclude these days of positive impact through joining the Sonoma County Stands Together for Women Rally & March.
And he’s inviting you to join him. Local events include:
Friday, January 20
Post-Flood Russian River Cleanup. Work party from 9:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Meet at Guerneville Plaza (intersection of River Rd. and Armstrong Woods Rd). Be prepared for dirty work. Gloves, gear, water and snacks will be provided.
Assembling Care Kits for the Homeless with the Street Medicine Team. Friday, January 20 3-4 p.m., Ukiah Valley Medical Center Bldg., 206 Mason Street, Ukiah.
Coming Together: An Inauguration Day Interfaith Gathering at San Rafael First Presbyterian Church, 1510 Fifth Ave., San Rafael. 6:30 p.m. An interfaith vigil to celebrate peace, religious freedom, social justice and community engagement. The free event will be available on Facebook Live and is open to the public.
Saturday, January 21
Sonoma County Stands Together for Women Rally & March: 12 p.m., Santa Rosa City Hall, 100 Santa Rosa Ave (steps). Rep. Huffman will join former Rep. Lynn Woolsey and others for the speaking program at what organizers hope will be a mass rally.
For the full schedule of these free events or to RSVP, go to https://www.eventbrite.com/o/congressman-jared-huffman-8592754161
or email Hu******************@ma**.gov
